DRUGS officers from St Helens Police called in the RSPCA when they discovered a young sparrowhawk during a house search.
The officers raided the house in Sussex Grove, Parr, and found the bird -- which is a protected species -- in a cage. They also found a small quantity of cannabis and a radio tuned into the police frequency.
It is illegal to keep any protected species of bird which isn't born in captivity, and breeding must be done by licence. The sparrowhawk was handed over to the RSPCA.
The occupant of the house was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis and intercepting police messages under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act (1949).
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